Although it had since moved to Raleigh, Francis signed with his former team in 1998 when he joined the Carolina Hurricanes. He was their captain for one season, 2001-02, season where the team reached the Stanley Cup finals, only to lose to the Detroit Red Wings.

Francis played briefly for the Maple Leafs when the Canes traded him in March 2004. He would retire prior to the 2005-06 season.